Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Aircraft production hits Q3 record

The third quarter of 2017 saw deliveries of new civil aircraft beat reach the highest level ever recorded for the period, with 260 single-aisle and 94 widebodies rolling off production lines.


Total value to UK industry from these deliveries is estimated at up to £7bn, with widebodies forming the largest component at £4bn to £4.5bn. The strong three months means 1,018 aircraft were delivered in the first nine months of the year, worth an estimated £20bn in total to UK companies.

Overall, this year’s deliveries are nine aircraft behind 2016’s record-breaking pace, as the aerospace industry continues to maintain its strong performance.

Advertisement
ODU RT

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt (right) said: “This has been a strong three months for the global aerospace industry and for UK manufacturers.

“Following the annual record for deliveries set in 2016 there has been no slackening in the pace of production this year and we expect to see rates continuing to rise in the years ahead.

“To achieve forecasts of a 40% rise in civil aircraft production by 2020, it is vital that industry and government work together on a UK industrial strategy that ensures this globally competitive, high-productivity sector is as strong as possible.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Airbus

Aerospace

Airbus' A350-1000ULR completes first test flight

2 June 2026

The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France.

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner